Chelsea drop John Stones interest, United eye Everton's Romelu Lukaku

The winter window might have shut, but the rumour mill rolls on. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest rumours and gossip. See the latest deals here.

TOP STORY: Conte prepared to shock Chelsea

Antonio Conte is set to shock the new employers he is widely expected to join, Chelsea, by knocking back the chance to sign John Stones, according to the Star. The Blues have long followed the Everton centre-back and believed they might have pried him away from Goodison Park last summer as the long-term replacement for John Terry.

Despite the Toffees rejecting the Londoners' bids last summer, the Blues were expected to return with a view of securing the England international for £50m this summer. However, the Star reports that Conte would prefer to look elsewhere for reinforcements once he assumes control after his duties with Italy conclude at Euro 2016.

There is a potentially stunning story building, though, with the Mirror reporting that Chelsea have not yet tied up the services of Conte at all, and AC Milan will rival the Blues for the former Juventus manager. Sinisa Mihajlovic is expected to depart the San Siro this summer after a disappointing debut campaign, and owner Silvio Berlusconi is intent on bringing the Azzurri boss back to Serie A.

Chelsea are reportedly irked by the number of staff Conte wants to bring with him to West London. If the Premier League champions are any more hesitant, it could open the door to the Rossoneri nicking the Italian coach from under their noses.

Lukaku to snub Chelsea for Man United

Six of Europe's great powers are vying for the attention of Romelu Lukaku, according to the player's father. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and, surprisingly enough, Chelsea have all been linked with the Belgian.

The Star reports that Lukaku is atop Antonio Conte's potential wish list, should the Italian manager take over at Stamford Bridge. But Manchester United could steal a march on him in a £56 million deal -- if Lukaku's agent can be convinced to keep his client out of Serie A.

Blues turn to Nainggolan

Chelsea might heal their wounds with another signing though as there is also interest in Radja Nainggolan from Roma despite competition from Serie A giants Juventus, according to the Daily Mail.

Nainggolan, 28, is being priced at around £28m and, as questions remain over Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel, the Belgian international could be the next arrival through the Stamford Bridge door.

Romelu Lukaku's double knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup, and now his former club could return for his signature.

Liverpool eye up Lucas Alario

Liverpool's striking issues are well known. Christian Benteke hasn't worked out, Divock Origi is young and Daniel Sturridge is often injured, so who will they turn to? The Sun reports that it will be Argentinian striker Lucas Alario.

The 23-year-old moved to River Plate from Colon last summer and has been getting rave reviews after winning the Copa Libertadores. Indeed, a pricetag of £9.5m is not massive, so plenty of clubs have been interested -- with Jurgen Klopp's side leading the way.

Tap-ins

- Manchester City have a deal "in principle" for Borussia Dortmund's midfield maestro Ilkay Gundogan, reports the Mirror. A £25m deal for the German international could get the Pep Guardiola era rolling, with more signings inevitable.

- Meanwhile, Man City could turn to Dutch full-back Jetro Willems to replace Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov, according to the Sunday People. The Oranje international was watched by City scouts in Friday's friendly against France and impressed the Citizens.

- Bayern Munich fear Mario Gotze has agreed to reunite with Klopp this summer at Liverpool, reports the Mirror.

- Everton appear keen to pick up another Manchester United player this summer, with Michael Carrick reportedly a target on a free transfer, according to the Mirror. Roberto Martinez is keen on the 34-year-old, and any move may put Gareth Barry's future in jeopardy.